Milwaukee Brewers Suffer Three Key Injuries in Spring Training

By Michael Terrill

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Three star players on the Milwaukee Brewers suffered possible key injuries within days of each other in Spring Training.

Milwaukee left fielder Ryan Braun, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and ace Yovani Gallardo have all been sidelined indefinitely with three separate injuries that could prove to be costly before the start of the 2013 Major League Baseball season.

Braun was out of the lineup Saturday while resting a bruised knee that he injured after taking a foul ball off of his leg. Meanwhile, Ramirez strained his own knee after a sketchy slide into second base that got him jammed up. He was forced to leave the game against the Los Angeles Angels and did not look pleased while walking to the clubhouse.

“When he slid into the bag, the impact,” manager Ron Roenicke said. “They checked it out and they don’t think there’s any damage anywhere, but it’s day to day, and that usually ends up being more than just a day.”

The left knee sprain could cost Ramirez some valuable time, something he needs in Spring Training considering how he is famously known for getting off to a ridiculously slow start once the regular season begins. In fact, his double down the left field line was his first hit in 11 at-bats this spring.

Braun and Ramirez were the top run producers on the team in 2012 as they combined for 68 home runs and 217 RBI in 1,168 at-bats. It goes without saying that the Brewers are doomed if either one of these players misses a significant amount of time, especially with Corey Hart already on the disabled list.

Gallardo’s injury could prove to be costly for not only Milwaukee, but Team Mexico as well. He will miss his start Sunday against the Chicago Cubswith a strained groin. However, the starter is Mexico’s top pitcher and I am sure the team is not happy about the recent news. Gallardo is going to toss a bullpen session and then go from there, but if team doctors notice anything out of the ordinary there is no way the Brewers will allow him to compete in the World Baseball Classic.

“We’re going to be cautious with him,” Roenicke said. “That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing. … We need to test to make sure he’s 100 percent before he goes to the Classic. If he’s not ready, then, no he will not pitch.”

Considering Milwaukee will be fielding a very young and inexperienced starting rotation, with the exception of Gallardo, it is critical that the team stays as healthy as possible. The Brewers will once again rely on their offense to keep them in games this year, but without their top sluggers, it could be a very ugly season.